Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League

The Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League is a regional, community-based, non-profit environmental organization founded in the mountains of North Carolina in 1984. Our founding principles are earth stewardship, environmental democracy, social justice, and community empowerment. We are a grassroots organization working with community groups to solve pressing local problems with citizens' campaigns. Since 1984 the Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League has expanded and now has many active chapters throughout North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee. We maintain strong working relationships with other citizens' groups across the United States and around the world. Our home office is in Glendale Springs, North Carolina.
www.bredl.org

Project Proposal 1:
Air Toxics Public Health

Project Description : Previous research by the Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League volunteers and Stanback Interns examining exposures to air toxics and impacts to public health has been published and presented at national conferences. Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League's scientific advisor, Dr. Rick Weisler, has been researching the potential link between environmental exposures and negative health outcomes in two NC communities, Salisbury and Canton. The 2008 project will continue this research with additional documentation and analysis.

Responsibilities: This work involves extensive research, data collection and analysis. Information and results will be organized for publication and distribution to the public. The intern will contact various federal, state and local agencies as needed.

Qualifications :Research skills, the ability to assimilate data from various sources and organize results for presentation are important for this project.

Location:The intern will work at Dr. Weisler's office in Raleigh, on campus at Duke University, with some travel to communities in the study.

Supervisor: Dr. Rick Weisler, BREDL's Scientific Advisor. Dr Weisler is adjunct professor of psychiatry at UNC and adjunct assistant professor of psychiatry at Duke University Medical Center.

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Project Proposal 2:
Zero Waste Campaign

Project Description:Our 2008 Model Material Re-use Program will be a major component of our Zero Waste Campaign. This project will examine the role charitable organizations, such as Goodwill, the Salvation Army and Habitat Re-Stores, play in the diversion of products away from landfills and incinerators. Aero waste and material re-use is a key strategy in addressing global warming. Using operations at the Winston-Salem headquarters of the Salvation Army, the project will produce a case study of existing Salvation Army programs and develop a new model program that maximizes diversion. A survey of current literature on this topic will provide background material.

Responsibilities:This work involves research, interviews of key personnel, data collection and analysis of records.

Qualifications:Research ability, interview skills, organization of materials and writing skills.

Expected Product: Final products include a literature review, and a case study with a proposed model program for charitable organizations for presentation.

Location:The intern will work independently from Duke University and on site at the Salvation Army facilities in the Winston-Salem area.

Supervisors: The intern will work with David Mickey, BREDL's Zero Waste Campaign Coordinator.

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Project 3
Dillon Rule Research

Project Description: The Dillon Rule was created in 1886 by John Forest Dillon, an American jurist who served on both federal and Iowa state courts, and who authored a highly influential treatise on the power of states over municipal governments. Unless specifically mandated, municipal governments only have the powers that are expressly granted to them by the state legislature. Currently, there are approximately 40 states that are considered "Dillon's Rule" states. However, a number of states have varying interpretations of the Rule, and not all of these states enforce the Rule in the same manner.

In terms of BREDL's mission, the Dillon Rule acts as an impediment to communities seeking additional protection for human health and the environment, and prevents communities from enacting laws above and beyond those specified by the state. The purpose of the internship would be to produce a report or white paper on the history of the Dillon Rule, its role in lawmaking and impacts on local democracy. Research would include how the Rule impacts state environmental regulations concerning the following polluting industries in NC: mega dumps, landfills, medical waste incinerators, nuclear power plants, asphalt plants, and land application of sewage sludge; an overview of case studies in North Carolina and other Dillon Rule states where the Rule has been challenged and overruled; a review of North Carolina's attempts aimed at eliminating the Rule; a list of potential key opponents and proponents of the Rule in the NC State Legislature.

This research will be extremely valuable in assisting both communities and lawmakers implement strategies to create legislation in successfully empowering communities at the local level to move forward beyond the Dillon Rule in establishing local law to protect human health and the environment, our organization's primary mission.

Responsibilities: Research, analysis, writing, conducting interviews, and review of case studies.

Qualifications: Ability to conduct legislative research, law background helpful, knowledge of environmental law and environmental issues a plus.

Expected Products: One white paper or report (format to be decided upon by the intern and coordinator) that includes the following: history and analysis of the Dillon Rule; case studies and summary conclusions; research of similar legislative initiatives introduced by NC state legislators; power point presentation of issues; analysis and recommendations.

Location: The intern will conduct research at any law library in the state of North Carolina and report to the project coordinator located in Saxapahaw. Monthly meeting places will be determined by the intern and coordinator.

Supervisor(s): Susan Dayton, Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League, North Carolina Healthy Communities. John Runkle, Environmental Attorney, will assist as an advisor.

Additional Information: Interviews with other staff working on polluting industries, landfills, asphalt plants, medical waste incinerators, nuclear power, sludge. Some travel may be required.

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Project 4
Hot Water-Nuclear Power's Impact on Water Resources

Project Description: Our 2008 Project Hot Water-Nuclear Power's Impact on Water Resources will examine and evaluate nuclear power scenarios during one of the worst southeastern droughts on record. This internship position offers an opportunity to investigate effects that new nuclear power plants would have on the water supply, water quality and public health. With guidance from the Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League's Executive Director, the student will work in collaboration with our community organizers and with attorneys, activists, energy experts and local residents who share our concerns. The questions we will ask include: Are nuclear plants able to supply reliable electric power under drought conditions? Can building more nuclear energy plants help us meet the challenge of global warming? These issues arise because in 2007 reduced rainfall began to have a noticeable effect on the Southeast. For example, lakes and rivers which power plants rely upon for cooling water are approaching the minimum levels required by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. For 24 years the Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League has worked to preserve the environment and protect public health. Our successful track record is based on research, public education and community organizing.

Responsibilities: This work involves extensive research, data collection and analysis. Information and results will be organized for publication and distribution to the public. The intern will contact various federal, state and local agencies as needed.

Qualifications: Research skills, the ability to assimilate data from various sources and developing conclusions for presentations are key to this project.

Expected Products: Though not required, a published report on the student's findings would be a desirable and useful product of the internship. Such a report would be posted to our website which receives on average 2,500 hits per day from 140,000 visitors per year.

Location: The intern may work on campus at Duke University and at locations to be determined.

Supervisor(s): Janet Marsh, Executive Director and Louis Zeller, Campaign Coordinator

Additional Information: If they are willing to travel, students may attend community meetings, workshops and other gatherings to present their findings or learn from others involved in this project. During the last few years, we have participated in events at Maryville College, Paine College, University of Maryland, University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, and various institutions of the University of North Carolina. Currently, we are working on nuclear power issues in Virginia, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia.

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